Catechists brainstorm to reposition national life

NATIONAL Association of Catholic Catechists Association of Nigeria, NACCAN, has resolved to embark on grassroots mobilisation of Christian families, to take up the responsibility of bringing up children and wards in a manner that would enhance national development. Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the just concluded national conference, the Episcopal Chairman of the Bishop’s Commission on Catechists Religious Education and Biblical Apostolate, Bishop Michael Iloye, said the family is instrumental in resolving societal challenges. He explained that the gathering would have far reaching relevance. Responding to a question on why evil thrives inspite of the proliferation of religious bodies, the bishop said it would have been worse without religion. “As a matter of fact, our country is not stable, but if it had not been because of some religious values, it would have been in pieces. “But let me emphasise that bigotry and fanaticism are not religious values yet these are the things that are causing problems in the society now. What every true religion preaches is moderation, love, togetherness and unity. None of these can cause trouble. Even as our country is not at peace now, we have to thank God for the values of religion, otherwise we would have been finished,” he emphasised. Speaking in a similar manner, the National Chaplain of NACCAN, Rev. Fr. Michael Akere, said the nation needs proper re-orientation of all family sectors, so as to take a critical look at things that have gone wrong with a view to holistically addressing them. While cautioning the nation, he enjoined leaders not to let everyone take up arms before giving them attention, even as he called on followers to rededicate themselves to the service of God, support for leaders, nation and humanity. Earlier, the President of NACCAN, Catechist Joseph Terwase Ikyôv, said the conference was organised to create awareness, support those who are not participating actively, as well as encourage the rest of the populace in that regard.